Maxioms by Samuel Butler
Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by th' blow:
Some kick'd read more
Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by th' blow:
Some kick'd until they can feel whether
A shoe be Spanish or neat's leather.
We grant, although he had much wit,
H' was very shy of using it,
As being loth read more
We grant, although he had much wit,
H' was very shy of using it,
As being loth to wear it out,
And therefore bore it not about;
Unless on holy days or so,
As men their best apparel do.
Your pettifoggers damn their souls,
To share with knaves in cheating fools.
Your pettifoggers damn their souls,
To share with knaves in cheating fools.
As quick as lightning, in the breach
Just in the place where honour's lodged,
As wise philosophers read more
As quick as lightning, in the breach
Just in the place where honour's lodged,
As wise philosophers have judged,
Because a kick in that place more
Hurts honour than deep wounds before.
